Turlago - 18m Custom Motor Yacht Rental: Bebek to Northern Bosphorus Villages

Imagine leaving the trendy pier of Bebek behind as the engine hums and the current of the Bosphorus takes over. For the first few minutes, you pass a parade of waterfront landmarks: the Bebek Mosque, seafood restaurants, and timber waterside mansions known as yalis. Then the crowd thins, the hills grow greener, and the water seems to pull you north. Beyond the second bridge, a transformed Istanbul waits—a coast dotted with fishing villages, deep bays, and forests that touch the shoreline.

In this guide, we focus on a custom 18m motor yacht rental on Turlago and an itinerary from Bebek up to the northern villages of the Bosphorus. This private boat is available for you alone, with a capacity of 10 guests, and can be booked by the hour or for the day, depending on how you want to craft your route.

Why Choose Bebek as Your Departure Point?

The boat is offered for boarding from several points: Kuleli, Kandilli, Arnavutköy, and Bebek. Bebek stands out as a central yet easy starting location. When you leave in the morning, you have a full day to spend in the less-crowded northern Bosphorus, and on your return you can enjoy the scenic shoreline again. Bebek is also very practical: the park and pier are close to coffee shops, a supermarket, and parking facilities. If you are using public transport, the Bebek iskele bus and ferry stops are just minutes from the departure point.

The hourly rate for this vessel is set at 6,500 TL, and the maximum capacity is 10 guests. A day rate is not published, but you can contact Turlago for a tailored quote.

The Vessel: What a Custom 18m Motor Yacht Offers

Although the name highlights 'custom build,' the listing also mentions the Princess 56 model. This suggests a close attention to engineering and interior aesthetics that you would expect from a British-designed luxury yacht. The 18-meter length offers good stability in the variable conditions of the Bosphorus while remaining agile enough to access hidden coves.

For 10 passengers, the yacht feels spacious. It includes a comfortable indoor saloon, a helm station, a small galley, and certainly enough space to seat everyone at the same table. The outdoor deck is the true highlight—there are cushioned areas for sunbathing, a partly shaded lounge section, and a spot for taking pictures as the cityscape drifts by. Unlimited tea, coffee, and water are served throughout the trip, so you do not have to think about drinks during your cruise.

Why Tour the Northern Bosphorus Villages?

Most open ferry tours stick to the southern part of Istanbul and turn around near Ortaköy. But the northern stretch of the Bosphorus gives a different dimension to the waterway: old villages where fishermen still repair their nets, small boatyards, and forest-covered hills that seem miles away from the city. On the European coast are Rumeli Hisari, Bebek, Emirgan, Istinye, Yenikoy, Tarabya, Buyukdere, Sariyer, and Rumeli Kavağı. On the opposite, Asian side are Kandilli, Cubuklu, Bebek? (Actually it's opposite Bebek) and further up: Anadolu Hisarı, Kanlıca, Beykoz, and Anadolu Kavağı.

With a rented yacht, you are free to mix both sides, even to choose one side and return on the other. The motor yacht is particularly suitable if you want to cover this long stretch quickly and reserve a lot of time for a long swim stop or a long seafood lunch.

The Route: Step by Step from Bebek to the Black Sea

Here is a practical description of the route that many private charters follow when leaving from Bebek and heading north.

Rumeli Hisarı and Aşiyan

Rumeli Hisarı is a 15th-century fortress built just before the conquest of Constantinople. Viewed from the water, it is an imposing stone giant. Just past it, the green hill of Aşiyan rises, famously connected to Türkish poet Yahya Kemal Beyatlı. The outlook from here is one of the most photographed scenes of the Bosphorus: modest yalis under a hillside covered with pines and cypresses.

Baltalimanı and Emirgan

Baltalimanı is a small bay hosting a historic waterside mansion and, further uphill, cultural venues. Emirgan is even greener: its woods contain three Ottoman summer pavilions and, in spring, a famous tulip festival. Approaching by sea, you can see the pavilions poking out from the trees. It is a pleasant place to slow down and take in the sight.

İstinye: The Deepest Bay of the Bosphorus

İstinye is a natural deep port, currently hosting a mix of large commercial ships, ferries, and modern marinas. The bay used to be called 'the sweet waters of Europe' in Ottoman times. For a private charter, it is more interesting as a cultural scenery rather than a swimming stop, as active shipping and docking activities take place.

Yeniköy and Tarabya

Yeniköy has always been one of the most exclusive neighborhoods on the Bosphorus. Its elegant wooden yalis were once built for the trading elite of Istanbul. Below them are sea-facing taverns and cafes. Tarabya follows shortly after. It used to be the summer residence of foreign ambassadors and wealthy merchants; today, among the historical mansions you will see art museums and hotels.

Kireçburnu, Büyükdere and Sarıyer

These districts once formed the most popular summer resort belt of the Ottomans. Kireçburnu is specifically known for its old public baths (in the past, people used to swim in changing cabins). Büyükdere has a wonderful bay and the Sadberk Hanım Museum standing on a hill. Sariyer is now the main fishing port and a great place to spot traditional balıkçı boats. The waterway here begins to widen, indicating that the Black Sea is not far.

Rumeli Kavağı

Rumeli Kavağı is a classic fishing village with wooden houses and fish restaurants. The bay is protected and is a favored spot for yachts to anchor. From here, the water changes colour as it meets the Black Sea. If you moor for a short while, you can walk up the narrow village streets and enjoy an ice cream before jumping back to the yacht.

Garipçe and the Third Bridge

Aren't we allowed to mention Garipçe? It takes about half an hour by boat to see the village of Garipçe beneath the huge suspension bridge. The bridge, completed in 2016, is a landmark of modern Turkey. The bay here offers some of the cleanest water in the region. Some boats anchor just south of Garipçe, which is ideal for a swim. The only note is that currents can be misleading; your captain will be cautious near this zone.

Crossing to the Asian Shore and the Return via Beykoz

From Garipçe, the boat can easily motor across to the Asian side. The village of Anadolu Kavağı is opposite Rumeli Kavağı and sits at the foot of Yoros Castle, another ancient fortification. Here, a few small waterfront restaurants greet you. Even when the weather is rough, the bay is sheltered. If you decide to go ashore, you can climb the hill to Yoros for a panoramic view of the Bosphorus meeting the Black Sea.

Continuing south on the Asian side, you will pass large moorings and bays of Beykoz. Known for its forest and classic timber waterside mansions, this region offers good swimming stops. Bay names like 'Göksu' and 'Paşabahçe' come up in conversations, but the exact anchoring point will be selected by the captain. After a refreshing dive, you can dry off on the deck as the yacht heads back to Bebek, passing some of the most scenic parts of the strait in the late afternoon light.

How to Choose Your Charter Duration

The listing suggests several sample routes:

2-hour tour: The Yeniköy – Çubuklu – Kandilli line, an ideal quick trip.
3-hour tour: The Tarabya – Beykoz – Kandilli line, adding more distance.
4-hour tour: Full Bosphorus loop, taking in both shores.
5-hour tour: The same with a longer swimming stop in the Beykoz bays.
8-hour tour: An all-day venture down to the Princes' Islands with swimming in the Marmara Sea.

These are starting points. The captain is flexible according to your interests, and Turlago’s support can advise on the best route for the available time.

Since the daily rate is not listed, you should request a custom quote if you need more than five hours. Booking longer usually reduces the equivalent hourly rate. Mention this to the support team.

Who Is This Boat Perfect For?

Families with teenage children often love the freedom of a private charter, because they are not restricted by a fixed itinerary. Groups of friends use the yacht to celebrate a birthday or a reunion; 10 guests can have both privacy and an excellent view of the skyline. For corporate offsite events, the mix of fresh air and calmness is great for team bonding.

If you are planning a bigger gathering, you might want to look at the 23-meter party yacht for larger groups. And if you are thinking of an organized cocktail party on board, the special-day event boat is a suitable option. But for a pure sightseeing and swimming way to spend the day, this custom 18-meter motor yacht offers a remarkable balance.

Where Will You Swim?

The water around the northern villages tends to be cleaner than at the centre of the Bosphorus, but the temperature is often lower. A May or September cruise can still offer pleasant swimming if the day is sunny. Please remember that the boat is not designed for snorkelling or scuba rental; if you plan to bring your own gear, just make sure it fits in a duffel bag.

When the captain recommends a spot, the boat will drop anchor. A ladder is usually present for easy entry. It is not advised to jump from the flybridge (the top deck) unless the depth is clear and the crew gives you a go-ahead.

Practical Planning and Local Tips

Have a light jacket aboard even on warm days; the sea breeze can be cool.
Sunscreen with very high SPF is a must—the reflection from the water is intense.
If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication half an hour before departure and stay on the lower deck, which has more stabil.
To catch the morning light on the wooden yalis, schedule your departure between 9 and 10 AM.
Ask your captain to point out the blacksmith birds and the historic water fountains along the shore.
Bring cash for a small restaurant visit if you happen to dock on the way back; not all locals accept cards.

If you are also interested in another type of watercraft, check out classic lobster motor yacht charters around Istanbul - but for most northern Bosphorus cruises, this custom boat gives you a strong advantage with its speed and deck space.

Seasonal Timing and Other Essentials

May to September is the typical window for cruising in comfort. In spring, the hills are completely green and the Ottoman summer houses are beginning to open. In late summer, the water is at its warmest. On weekends, local traffic increases, though may be more lively; if you want tranquility, choose a weekday cruise.

Private boat insurance is handled by the operator, but you should still consider cancellation insurance for the unpredictable weather of the Black Sea region. Always follow the captain's safety instructions, and be careful when moving between the pier and the boat.

FAQ

Is fuel included in the rental price?

Most boat listings on Turlago include fuel for the agreed route. Since every route is custom, the operator will clarify this before the trip.

Can we bring food and drinks?

The standard is that unlimited tea, coffee, and water are included. Other items may be allowed, but you must coordinate in advance.

How far in advance should I book?

For summer weekends, booking two or three weeks ahead is advised. If you have flexibility in the timing, you can sometimes find availability just days ahead.

What if the weather gets bad?

The tour is generally rescheduled or refunded when the captain decides the sea condition is unsafe. Always communicate with the support team in such cases.

Make Your Reservation on Turlago

If this custom 18-meter yacht fits your vision, the next step is simple. Go to the boat's product page on Turlago to check live availability and rates. You can send an enquiry with your preferred route and date, and the support team will respond promptly with a detailed offer.

Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive the exact departure time and the captain’s mobile number. Get ready for a unique day on the water—one that takes you from the sophisticated heart of Istanbul to the quiet, green villages of the Bosphorus.